[ruleof72]

After 32 year break I am ready to dip my toes back into the world of vinyl. I'd like to get a basic turntable setup that I can feel confident will give me good sound without breaking the bank. My realistic budget to start off is $400 or less. I know that isn't much but that's all I can swing right now. If possible I would like to have something that could offer a decent upgrade path if I wanted to go that route.
 
A buddy who is really into vinyl suggested I consider the U-Turn Orbit as a starting point . It seems to be a decent setup and even with the upgrade to Grado cartridge I could get it for under $300. I'd need a preamp for this one so any help with that would be great as well. I'll be running the 'table into my integrated amp and sent to my main speakers though I'm sure my Mad Dog Pros will get some of that vinyl goodness as well.
 
Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[goodvibes]

Find a used Rega.

 

[Music Alchemist]

My buddy @TRapz just got the very affordable Audio-Technica AT-LP60-USB. Ask him what he thinks of it.
 
(It's a funny coincidence that you also used the word "buddy".)

 

[spykez]

I just picked up a Pro-Ject essential II turntable and I'm absolutely in love with it.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Essential-Turntable-Ortofon-Cartridge/dp/B00DKSUGOO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419399302&sr=8-2&keywords=pro-ject
 
They say it's one of the best entry level/getting back into vinyl turntables out there but the upgrade to the debute carbon is supposed to be a lot better, but that puts you a little over 400.
 
That said, I love...LOVE the Essential II
 
It's super minimalistic which is why I fell in love with it, I hate all the bells and whistles others were coming with and all that garbage plastic.
 
 
There's obviously other colors as well, White, Red Black, Green, Blue
 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Pro-Ject%20Essential%20II
 
I was using my dad's vintage Pioneer for phono but it went out on me and till I can get it fixed, I'm using this thing, it's pretty well loved by many.
 
http://www.amazon.com/ART-II-Preamplifier-Output-Switchable/dp/B000AJR482
 
It sounds good, it's small and does the job well. My only complaint is the lack of an off button and the blue LED is brighter than it needs to be.

 

[lextek]

I was shopping also. The ones I came up with were
ProJect Carbon DC $449.has better/quieter motor and speed control
ProJect Carbon $399 well reviewed
Regs RP1

I don't think you could go wrong with any of these. Then there's tv he phono preamp......

 

[spykez]

Better motor yes on the Carbon however, quieter? I've got my Essential II 1 foot away from me and even without any music or anything being ran i don't hear it. It's dead silent. 

 

[lextek]

Better motor yes on the Carbon however, quieter? I've got my Essential II 1 foot away from me and even without any music or anything being ran i don't hear it. It's dead silent. 

Just going by what the guy at the stereo shop told me. They just sell turntables. Seemed knowledgeable.

 

[ruleof72]

  I just picked up a Pro-Ject essential II turntable and I'm absolutely in love with it.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Essential-Turntable-Ortofon-Cartridge/dp/B00DKSUGOO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419399302&sr=8-2&keywords=pro-ject
 
They say it's one of the best entry level/getting back into vinyl turntables out there but the upgrade to the debute carbon is supposed to be a lot better, but that puts you a little over 400.
 
That said, I love...LOVE the Essential II
 
It's super minimalistic which is why I fell in love with it, I hate all the bells and whistles others were coming with and all that garbage plastic.
 
 
There's obviously other colors as well, White, Red Black, Green, Blue
 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Pro-Ject%20Essential%20II
 
I was using my dad's vintage Pioneer for phono but it went out on me and till I can get it fixed, I'm using this thing, it's pretty well loved by many.
 
http://www.amazon.com/ART-II-Preamplifier-Output-Switchable/dp/B000AJR482
 
It sounds good, it's small and does the job well. My only complaint is the lack of an off button and the blue LED is brighter than it needs to be.

 
I have looked at the pro-ject turntables and the Essential looks like a straightforward, basic, quality turntable. The price is definitely right as well. One thing I want to research is the ability to upgrade the Essential if I want to. 

I was shopping also. The ones I came up with were
ProJect Carbon DC $449.has better/quieter motor and speed control
ProJect Carbon $399 well reviewed
Regs RP1

I don't think you could go wrong with any of these. Then there's tv he phono preamp......

 
The Carbon and Carbon DC are definitely outside my budget but if the difference is significant enough I could probably "justify" it.
 
Looks like some more research is in order!

 

[lextek]

I hear you on budget. In my case, I am afraid an "entry level" vinyl set-up won't sound as good as my digital. I love the idea of pulling a record out of the sleeve and cueing up the table. Just cool. Then you are at the mercy of the vinyl. I was going to try to buy key albums. I still have a yearning for a vinyl rig, but decided to buy a new Mac Mini.

 

[computerparts]

  Find a used Rega.

+1

 

[spykez]

 

  I just picked up a Pro-Ject essential II turntable and I'm absolutely in love with it.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Essential-Turntable-Ortofon-Cartridge/dp/B00DKSUGOO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419399302&sr=8-2&keywords=pro-ject
 
They say it's one of the best entry level/getting back into vinyl turntables out there but the upgrade to the debute carbon is supposed to be a lot better, but that puts you a little over 400.
 
That said, I love...LOVE the Essential II
 
It's super minimalistic which is why I fell in love with it, I hate all the bells and whistles others were coming with and all that garbage plastic.
 
 
There's obviously other colors as well, White, Red Black, Green, Blue
 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Pro-Ject%20Essential%20II
 
I was using my dad's vintage Pioneer for phono but it went out on me and till I can get it fixed, I'm using this thing, it's pretty well loved by many.
 
http://www.amazon.com/ART-II-Preamplifier-Output-Switchable/dp/B000AJR482
 
It sounds good, it's small and does the job well. My only complaint is the lack of an off button and the blue LED is brighter than it needs to be.

 
I have looked at the pro-ject turntables and the Essential looks like a straightforward, basic, quality turntable. The price is definitely right as well. One thing I want to research is the ability to upgrade the Essential if I want to. 

I was shopping also. The ones I came up with were
ProJect Carbon DC $449.has better/quieter motor and speed control
ProJect Carbon $399 well reviewed
Regs RP1

I don't think you could go wrong with any of these. Then there's tv he phono preamp......

 
The Carbon and Carbon DC are definitely outside my budget but if the difference is significant enough I could probably "justify" it.
 
Looks like some more research is in order!

You'd be 100% happy with the sound of the essential, but (from what I've read) the sound difference in upgrading to the carbon is very noticeable. It uses an upgraded cartridge as well if I remember right, the bottom end on it is supposedly better. What are you thinking you'd want to upgrade on it? I know they sell other platters, not sure what else.

 

[Shaffer]

I'd buy a used Rega P3. Good luck.

 

[Oktyabr]

I loved my old Pro-Ject 1.2, what then became the Essential...  I'd probably either buy another (Essential) or shop for a good deal on a similarly spec'd and priced Rega.  Or hell, keep your eyes out for a smoking deal on one of the older Pro-Jects like my 1.2!  Easily upgradeable and repairable, parts are far from rare (belts, suspension bands, counter weights, etc.).

Pre-amp?  I took back a $200+ one and kept this one for less than $100, after trying a few different ones for several days:

http://www.needledoctor.com/Esoteric-Sounds-Rek-O-Kut-Professional-Phono-Preamp-Incredibly-Accurate-Frequency-Response?sc=2&category=35249

 

 

[davidst]

It's not "all about me" let's find you a good affordable turntable!
 
http://uturnaudio.com/
 
http://www.klipsch.com/blog/u-turn-audio-orbit-basic-turntable-review/
 
And no I don't work for them and yes I was waiting till they have a cueing lever.
 
Like this
 
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PRDECA&opt=2668

 

[ruleof72]

Just thought I'd update/close out the thread.
 
I ended up getting a Pro-Ject Carbon DC and have been using it for about 3 weeks. I am really enjoying it. I've picked up about 10 albums so far, mostly used but a couple brand new. The sound quality is very good and I'm having fun being "more deliberate" with my music listening. I'm not going to abandon digital by any means but Vinyl will be part of my enjoyment of music from now on.
 
The next step is to see about getting a good, budget-friendly headphone amp so I can listen to vinyl without disturbing anyone.
 
Thanks to everyone for the help!